Digital Transcription Equipment
Going digital for language samples is a relatively easy process. Digital files improve the overall quality of the language
sample and simplify the transcription process. There are three basic steps to working with digital files: 1) record the
language sample with a digital audio or video recorder, 2) transfer the digital file to your computer, and 3) control the
playback of the digital file while you transcribe the sample.
Digital Recorders
There are a multitude of digital recorders on the market, including IPads and other computer tablets, as well as most
smart phones. For an inexpensive recorder, the Olympus VN-702PC offers a quality recording, ample recording time,
and is priced around $60.
Digital Play-back Options
There are several options for controlling the playback of digital audio files for transcription. If you're doing a lot of
transcription, invest in a good foot pedal control as it will reduce the transcription time and improve the overall
accuracy of the transcript. If you're just getting started or your budget is limited, check out the software options.
Express Scribe: NCH Software
for Windows® and Mac
Software control: Express Scribe controls playback of digital audio files using system-wide hot keys to allow control
of the playback while you type the text into the SALT editor. 2013 price: free download (Professional version: $40).
Foot pedal control: Express Scribe also works with a variety of foot pedals, many of which can be purchased
directly from NCH Software for between $70 - $80.
Start-Stop Foot Pedal Transcription Systems
for Windows® only
Foot pedal control: Foot pedal transcription systems to control playback of digital video or audio files. Use the foot
pedal to control the playback while you type directly into the SALT editor. 2013 prices: $189 (audio) and $269
(audio and/or video).
Sound Scriber: Eric Breck, University of Michigan
for Windows® only
Software control: Software to control playback of digital audio files with options for variable speed and a feature
called "walking" which plays a small stretch of the file several times, then advances to a new piece, overlapping
slightly with the previous one. Use the software to control the playback while you type directly into the SALT
editor. 2012 price: free download.
Digital Transcription and Coding Systems
Transana: David K. Woods, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Software to analyze digital video or audio data: transcribe it, identify analytically interesting clips, assign keywords
to clips, arrange and rearrange clips, create complex collections of interrelated clips, explore relationships between
applied keywords, and generate reports. 2012 price: $65.
Procoder: Jon Tapp, Vanderbilt University
Software to control digital video or audio files: track and easily find and replay events, code events, output data
into several formats including SALT format. 2012 price: $1,499.
SALT Software, LLC